They make it hard to be homesick
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They make it hard to be homesick.
In today's blog post, I want to share a fascinating trend that I've noticed since moving to the UK. Every British person I've met has shown a keen interest in where I'm from in the US. It's usually one of the first questions they ask, and it has truly surprised me. I've met four different people today alone - a woman at the library, the clerk at the Blockbuster video store, the receptionist at the doctor's office, and the clerk at the post office - and each one of them asked me where in America I'm from.
What fascinates me about this is that I didn't expect them to be familiar with the various states in the US and know their geographic locations. Moreover, I didn't anticipate that they would care so much. It makes me feel somewhat ignorant in return because, despite living here now, I still struggle to know the names of most regions in the UK. I acknowledge the need to improve on that front.
Whenever I'm asked about my hometown, I always respond with a nod to Texas - "Dallas, Texas." It adds a bit of a James Bond feel to the conversation. Surprisingly, this often leads to the response, "Oh my! You must be freezing here!" It amazes me how well people here are aware of the scorching hot weather in Texas. We usually end up discussing the merits of Texas weather versus British weather, and I must admit, I've developed a preference for the latter.
Aside from talking about the weather, I've had numerous conversations about my experience in England and how I'm being treated. The British people genuinely seem interested in whether my husband Rupert and I have been treated with hospitality and kindness. It feels like they would be indignant if we reported any mistreatment and would seek to rectify the situation. However, there's no need for such intervention because, to be honest, the people we've met have been overwhelmingly polite and friendly.
On another note, I find it intriguing how some people make a fuss about us calling ourselves "Americans" and referring to the US as "America." Yet, I haven't encountered a single British individual who refers to the US by any other name. They refer to it as "America" and me as "American." Even products labeled as authentic US-style items in stores here are called "American" despite being packaged in Sussex. It's just an interesting observation to consider the next time someone complains about that particular usage.
While I have no major complaints about living here, I must admit that I do miss home. It's strange how, when I lived in close proximity to my family, we often went months without seeing or speaking to each other except through email. Now that I can't see them regularly, the absence feels painful. I miss them more than I anticipated. And don't even get me started on how I feel about our dogs. Rupert has learned that it's best not to bring up the subject because I always end up crying on the floor.
The thought of not being able to see our dogs, especially our beloved Sunny, elicits an emotional response that I can't quite explain. The love and comfort I derive from knowing that Sunny and Margaret are with my parents are beyond words. Even if I had found them the supposed "Very Best Home For Dogs" in history, it wouldn't be the same. My mom regularly updates me via email, sharing little tidbits about Sunny's interactions with my dad or their adventures on the patio. These messages act as a delightful pick-me-up that warms my heart.
By the way, I should mention that we have some exciting developments on the silhouette front. Mom says that Sunny is starting to resemble a dog rather than a baby elephant/walking sausage with a thyroid problem. Sunny has been exploring my parents' spacious property like she has an insatiable curiosity. Dad even manages to get her to run, and he's kindly sent me videos that I need to format and upload. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the archives and check out Sunny's previous hilarious adventures as the Hillbilly Snaggle-Lip Jester in April '08.
In conclusion, while I feel a pang of homesickness, I remain grateful for the warm reception I've received in England. The British people's curiosity about the US and their genuine concern for our well-being have made it easier to adjust to life here. It's an experience filled with both surprises and moments of longing, but overall, I can't complain about this place.
Now, let's shift gears slightly and discuss another element that is crucial for a comfortable stay away from home: hotels. Finding a cozy and hospitable hotel can significantly enhance the experience of being away from loved ones. Whether it's through attentive staff, comfortable amenities, or a welcoming ambiance, a good hotel can make being homesick a little less challenging.